Marking Four Centuries of Far East Trade, “JAPAN 400”

The Government & Treasury of St. Helena have authorized two coins which highlight the 400th anniversary of official trade between England and Japan.

Four centuries ago, in July 1613, the East India Company ship ‘The Clove’ set sail from England and arrived on the shores of Hirado after almost two years at sea, carrying gifts and official letters for Retired Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu and his ruling son, Hitetada from HM King James I of England (and VI of Scotland). With the assistance of Ieyasu’s confidant and trusted advisor, William Adams, known locally as ‘Anjin’ (The Pilot), the Clove’s Commander, John Saris was formally introduced to Retired Shogun Ieyasu and Hitetada. In an exchange of gifts – the Retired Shogun Tokugawa received a telescope, Hidetada – a precious cup and cover. In return Saris was given two suits of armor for King James, ten spectacularly painted gold-leaf screens, a letter and an official shuinjô granting the British permission to live and trade freely throughout Japan.

“Japan 400” commemorates the start of diplomatic, trading, scientific and cultural relations between Britain and Japan in 1613. Through a host of exciting events during 2013, this initiative celebrates the spirit of discovery and mutual regard that has inspired many successful collaborations and a remarkable friendship between two societies on opposite sides of the world.

The two coins are exclusively commissioned by The East India Company and issued by the Treasury of St. Helena. The East India Company (EIC), have long been known in the precious metal trade. It was, and still is, the only private company in history to mint its own trading currency and grew to become one of the two largest bullion traders of its time. Designed by Former Royal Mint Chief Engraver and Head of Design, Matthew Bonaccorsi, the design has been formally agreed and approved by HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Household and is the only official coin issued to celebrate the anniversary between Japan and Britain. The reverse design features for the first time ever on a coin, the portrait of Retired Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Next to him is a portrait of King James l of England (and Vl of Scotland) with an image representing The East India Company ship “The Clove”. The obverse includes the well-known effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll as designed by Raphael Maklouf and previously used on all British circulation coins from 1985 to 1997.

Denomination

Metal

Weight

Diameter

Quality

Mintage

50 Pence

.999 gold

8 grams

20 mm.

Proof

400 pieces

5 Pence

.999 silver

8 grams

22.5 mm.

Proof

400 pieces

Each coin is included in a beautiful presentation case, each with a numbered certificate. Only 400 coins in each metal will be made available worldwide – Pre-ordering is available through the “Japan 400” website before General Release. A donation of £100 for each gold coin and £10 for each silver coin will be made to the “Japan 400” Organisation to ensure that future generations will be able to benefit from the legacy of this special anniversary, through a range of educational and monumental restoration projects.

For more information on these and other coins commissioned by the East India Company, please visit their website at: http://www.eicgold.com/japan400/ Information offered in English, please inquire for international orders.

** Official launch of these coins on the 10th September will be covered in Coinupdate.com**

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